East Dorset, Vermont — Peter Lutz of North Salem, NY, made his first appearance at this year’s Vermont Summer Festival count, taking home the win in the $10,000 Brooks Brothers Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on August 7 during the sixth and final week of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.
Making the win even more impressive, Thursday’s $10,000 Brooks Brothers Welcome Stake marked the first time that Lutz had shown Robin de Ponthual for owner McLain Ward.
With 14 entries earning their way to the jump-off over the track set by course designer Eric Hasbrouck, speed quickly became the name of the game. A total of eight entries again jumped clear in the jump-off, with time being the deciding factor. Less than one second divided the top five, with Lutz coming out on top with the winning time of 37 seconds.
Sloane Coles and Baloucat took second with a time of 37.46, followed by Jackie McQuade and Copilot in 37.75 seconds. Denmark’s Henrik Gundersen had been the pathfinder riding Ahaveros, with his time of 37.92 seconds holding up for fourth place. Catherine Tyree rounded out the top five with Wetter after stopping the clock in 37.95 seconds.
“It was a very nice course designed by Eric Hasbrouck; he always does a great job,” said Lutz. “There were several ins and outs, and a few tight lines. The jump-off had a few inside turn options which I did, and I think that helped in the jump-off. It was very close in the jump-off!”
Lutz, whose Davenport Stables is based in North Salem, NY, was showing Robin de Ponthual for the first time in competition at the Vermont Summer Festival.
“I am riding the horse for McLain Ward,” said Lutz of the nine-year-old bay selle francais stallion. “I just started to ride the horse this week; this is our first horse show. He is a really nice horse that I saw at McLain’s. McLain has been showing over in Europe and sometimes when he’s away, I help him out and ride some horses for him.
“He has a lot of scope, is very fast, and is so fun to ride!” continued Lutz, 40. “The horse covers a lot of ground, he has a very large stride, and he jumps easily. I am just getting to know him, but he also turned quite well. Everything went well. He was great. He felt like he was trying to win!”
In addition to earning the winner’s share of the $10,000 in prize money on offer, Lutz was also awarded a $1,000 gift card to Brooks Brothers, part of the Manchester Designer Outlets family in nearby Manchester, VT.
“Brooks Brothers is a great sponsor, and I’ll use it!” smiled Lutz.
Lutz and Robin de Ponthual will hope to make it two-for-two in Saturday’s grand finale, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix, scheduled for 1 p.m. Lutz will also ride Carneyhaugh Manx, who has placed second in the last three grand prix events he has contested, for owner Katherine Gallagher.
The Vermont Summer Festival offers a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition weekly from Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. Admission prices are $5 for adults, $3 for children from Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children. 100% of the gate proceeds benefit area libraries, including Manchester Community Library.
The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL). Please e-mail us or visit our website for more information about the Vermont Summer Festival.
$10,000 Brooks Brothers Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets
| Rider | Horse | Faults | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Lutz | Robin de Ponthual | 0:0 | 37.00 |
| 2 | Sloane Coles | Baloucat | 0:0 | 37.46 |
| 3 | Jackie McQuade | Copilot | 0:0 | 37.75 |
| 4 | Henrik Gundersen | Ahaveros | 0:0 | 37.92 |
| 5 | Catherine Tyree | Wetter | 0:0 | 37.95 |
| 6 | Julie Welles | Twan | 0:0 | 38.32 |
| 7 | Catherine Tyree | Sandor de la Pomme | 0:0 | 38.94 |
| 8 | Bryn Sadler | Bon Giorno | 0:0 | 39.02 |
